Personal and Social Varieties of English – A Level English Language AQA Revision

Personal and social varieties of English refer to the different forms and uses of the English language shaped by an individual’s personal identity and their social context.
Personal variances in English are influenced by factors such as age, occupation, cultural background, and individual preferences. An individual’s idiolect, their unique style of speech, can also shift over time due to their evolving linguistic environment.
Social varieties of English are determined by group factors including geographic location, socio-economic status, ethnic background, and the social networks one belongs to.
Dialects are often shaped by geographical and social factors. They are variances in language involving vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, particular to specific regions or social groups.
Sociolects are forms of language associated with a certain social group or occupation. They can include specific jargon or vernacular such as legal terminology for lawyers, or youth slang in a certain age demographic.
Register involves the level of formality in language use. It can vary depending on factors such as the relationship between interlocutors, the situation, and the medium of communication.
Code-switching refers to shifting from one language or dialect to another in the same conversation. This is common in bilingual individuals or those belonging to multiple social groups.
Accent is linked to pronunciation and is often used to pinpoint geographic or social origin. It’s influenced by region, socioeconomic status, and social networks.
The use of slang, jargon, and colloquialisms is common in social varieties of English to enhance group identity and cohesion.
Certain language features are often associated with specific age demographics. For example, youths may be more likely to use informal language and technological abbreviations, compared to older individuals who may favour formal and traditional forms of language.
Power dynamics in society often influence language use, such as male and female language differences, or the language used by those in positions of power versus those who are not.
People may also shift their language styles or codes to identify themselves with a particular group, or to differentiate themselves from another – this is known as ‘convergence’ and ‘divergence’. This can involve adopting or avoiding certain accents, dialects, or sociolects.